Occupation of Ica

The Occupation of Ica (20 February-14 April 1896) was a war fought between Chile and the alliance of Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador during the early months of 1896. The Chilean military ruler Jorge Montt sought to occupy Peru to prevent Peru from infringing upon the peace terms that were agreed to in the aftermath of the War of the Pacific, and the 28,000-strong Chilean army moved into southern Peru to occupy Ica, Ayacucho, Cusco, and Puerto Maldonado. The Peruvians made the mistake of holding their 30,000-strong main army back at Huancavelica, avoiding a decisive battle. The Peruvian government made peace with Chile on 14 April 1896 after Chile had occupied the Ica region, allowing for Chile to occupy the region.